11/2/2016
Episode 20034
60 min 
00 sec

Bible Q&A: Lucifer Explained

With Shawn Boonstra

Is it possible that more angels have fallen since the original rebellion in heaven? Does the Bible address environmental issues? Today, Shawn and Jean go back to the box full of questions Shawn has received as he's presented Bible-based meetings around the world.

Racism and Police Brutality

Blog

By Alex Rodriguez

As I continued scouring the internet for more information, I learned the special agent was a narcotics officer who was killed during an undercover drug deal gone bad. Instantly, a flood of emotions and memories of when I was a narcotics agent for the TBI rushed through my mind. How many times had I lived through similar scenarios? I vividly recalled a couple such incidents where, if not by the mercies of God, the news headlines would have been about my tragic death. 

On Holy Ground

Blog

By Alex Rodriguez

Nearly 20 years ago, I donned a police officer's uniform for the very first time. I spent the first few months riding with other officers. Then one day, it was my turn to solo. I recall having a healthy balance of nervousness and excitement. I was excited to be on my own. I was a full-fledged officer and could now make decisions without having to ask my partner. On the other hand, I did not have a partner in the car with me. The years of wisdom—which I had learned to rely on—were gone. Now I was on my own. That was a bit frightening. 

I Hope Next Month Is Better!

Blog

By Alex Rodriguez

After several days of fasting, an IV, and a boatload of meds, I was up and somewhat going. I don't think I've ever been so glad to be heading home. I was looking forward to spending time with the family and getting 100% healthy. But as soon as I walked into the house, there she was. My little girl saw me and ran into my arms. I loved every moment of it and yet I cringed. My kids had spent the week at Vacation Bible Experience and I could tell my daughter was getting sick. 

Rocks Are Hard!

Blog

By Alex Rodriguez

There were better locations on our property as far as soil goes, but this one was so convenient that I was determined to make it work. A quick survey of the landscape revealed that it was a bit rocky. Initially, I planned to fire up my tiller, but then came up with what I thought was a better plan. If I turned the soil with a plow, then I could see the rocks better, toss them out of the way, then run the tiller. Sounds like a brilliant idea, right? Well, obviously, I've never had to work with rocky soil. 

Be Still and Know

Blog

By Alex Rodriguez

I was reading about George Whitefield and found that he would read his Bible and pray over every line. He felt that it was important not to speed through the Scriptures. Instead, he would take his time allowing God to reveal to him the lesson that He would have him learn pertaining to the passage. Later, George Müller read about Whitefield’s Bible study practices and adopted this method of Bible reading. Both men claimed that they would learn more of the Bible and of God in one sitting than they had in previous months. As I read these accounts, I felt a burning in my soul to follow suit.

Abraham's Near-Horrific Act

Blog

By Alex Rodriguez

The concern is valid. I’ve wrestled with the same question in the past. I’m relieved that God stopped Abraham from committing such a heinous act. However, this does not change the fact that He requested it. It also does not change the fact that Abraham obeyed. What kind of God would ask for a human sacrifice? And what kind of man would willingly lay his son on an altar and raise the knife fully intending to come down with it? 

In Search of a Miracle

Blog

By Alex Rodriguez

I was asked a couple of weeks ago if I would be available to perform her funeral. "If my schedule permits, I’m most willing," I responded. Nevertheless, I cringe at the thought. It is true; I want to be there. I just wish things were different. I wish my visit was for a happy occasion. Maybe a wedding or a child dedication. But death—why does it have to be this way?

I’m certainly not the only one who has felt this way. In fact, the question of why has likely passed through the minds of every human being since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

God's Amazing Grace

Blog

By Alex Rodriguez

"I am 62 years of age (Hispanic), and the oldest of eight children. At the age of 13, my mom and dad divorced. My dad's sister started taking us to the Baptist Church here in Texas. After that I started going to church camps and Vacation Bible Schools. I was married at 15 years old and was pulled out of school and started working at the café where I met my husband. 

Love Your Enemies

Blog

By Alex Rodriguez

Well did they know Jeremiah’s predictions that God would one day hand them over to the Babylonians. King Josiah was likely fresh on their minds. Though he cleaned up Jerusalem’s act for a time, God had only agreed to spare Jerusalem during Josiah’s lifetime. Their thoughts must have also stretched back to King Hezekiah. Instead of giving God glory for extending his life 15 years, he showed the Chaldeans all the temporal treasures of his kingdom. As a result, Isaiah delivered God’s sobering message that the Chaldeans would come and take all–including his children.